Abidjan: India and Côte d’Ivoire are strengthening their longstanding relationship across diplomatic, economic and defence cooperation, with India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr Kirti Vardhan Singh, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to deeper engagement with the West African nation during his visit for its 66th Independence Day celebrations.

Mr Singh called on Mr Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and discussed the growing India–Côte d’Ivoire partnership. He reaffirmed the two countries’ shared commitment to advancing Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi’s vision of stronger and deeper engagement with Africa, while expressing the hope that bilateral cooperation would continue to expand across diverse areas.

During the visit, Mr Singh also conveyed India’s warm greetings to the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire on the country’s 66th Independence Day, underlining the importance New Delhi attaches to the relationship. He said India deeply values its warm and enduring friendship with Côte d’Ivoire and remains committed to strengthening the close and multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

A notable feature of this year’s celebrations was the participation of an Indian Armed Forces marching contingent in the Independence Day military parade in Abidjan. Mr Singh described the participation as a privilege and said the presence of the Indian contingent reflected the deepening bonds of friendship and goodwill between the two countries.

The Indian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire said the contingent arrived aboard an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft and participated in the military parade. Commanded by Major Sandeep Dhillon, the contingent comprised 60 officers and other ranks from the Regiment of Artillery.

The participation of the Indian military contingent carried significance beyond the ceremonial occasion. The Indian Embassy described the invitation from the Ivorian Government as a testament to the growing defence cooperation between India and Côte d’Ivoire, adding a strategic dimension to the expanding bilateral relationship.

Mr Singh’s visit also included engagement with the Indian community in Abidjan, providing a further dimension to the relationship. Interacting with the diaspora, he described the Indian community as vibrant and said its warmth and enthusiasm reaffirmed the enduring bonds between India and its diaspora.

Cultural performances by young members of the community also featured during the interaction. Mr Singh said the performances beautifully showcased India’s rich heritage and traditions, highlighting the role of the diaspora in sustaining cultural connections between India and Côte d’Ivoire.

Earlier, Mr Singh met Ms Nialé Kaba, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Côte d’Ivoire, and exchanged views on strengthening the longstanding ties between the two countries. Their discussions also focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

The combination of high-level political engagement, defence cooperation, diaspora outreach and diplomatic dialogue underscores the breadth of India’s relationship with Côte d’Ivoire. Mr Singh’s visit thus provided an opportunity to reinforce existing ties while opening space for their further expansion across multiple areas of cooperation.